Salmon River in Idaho

The Perfect Whitewater Rafting Adventure Vacation

Quick Trip Details

Float the crystal-clear waters of the Salmon's Lower Gorge

Rafting Trip Length: 4 to 6 days
Class Rapids: III and IV
Ability Levels: Perfect for beginners to experienced rafters
All Trips Include: Pre-Trip Lodging and Round-Trip Transportation
Whitewater Rafting Season: July through October
Pre-Trip Meeting Place: Clarkston, Washington
Ages: 5 and up
Closest Airport: Lewiston, ID (10 minutes from Clarkston, WA)

Salmon River country in Idaho Ah...the beautiful Salmon River in Idaho. Warm waters, beautiful white sand beaches, deep pools, and exciting fun class III and IV whitewater provide the perfect setting for a whitewater rafting vacation. At 425 miles in length, it’s the longest free flowing, undammed river in the Lower 48 United States. We raft the 53-mile section of this river known as the Lower Gorge of the Salmon River. Exquisite geologic formations are revealed as the river flows through four spectacular canyons: Green, Cougar, Snow Hole, and Blue Canyon. Large white sand beaches figure prominently on the semi-arid riverscape. They provide the ideal setting for excellent camping, relaxation, and the whitewater rafting trip of a lifetime.

Natural and cultural history in the canyons is abundant. As the "River of No Return", the Salmon River has a long and fascinating river running history. Pictographs created by early inhabitants and sites of human activity bring to life the stories of the Nez Perce Indians, as well as Chinese miners and early settlers. Explore these archeological sites discovering stories of the past inhabitants of the area.

whitewater inflatable kayaking on the Salmon River in Idaho The pool and drop characteristic of the Lower Salmon River makes it a perfect river for a rafting vacation. The pools are long, calm stretches punctuated by steep drops. These pools allow time to prepare for the upcoming whitewater, practice paddling skills, swim, relax, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and have stimulating conversations with boat mates. The drops provide exhilarating fun whitewater, followed by calm pools. These pools creates a very forgiving and fun place to learn to row or paddle an inflatable kayak.